Les Cowley (gtr) Jon Hall (kbds,hmca,whistle,backing vox) Kerry Dolan(perc) Gavin de Klerk(drum) Lorenz Brightbar(drum) Karen Grant Michael Legge(guitar,banjo,whistle,backing vox)
Present Members:
Maria Hall(Vocals & Accoustic Guitar )
Jeremy Perron(Lead Guitar,backing vox)
Rob Lees(Rythm Guitar,Kybrd,backing vox)
Tony Pinner(Bass)
Kevin Martin(Drums)
Michael Legge(Resident Sound Engineer)
Here is my new video filmed by Hank MacGregor, edited by Perron. Captured at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2008
This is a video of one of my songs we played at Spratton Festival 2009. I dedicated it to my friend Mick Daly as an absent friend. It features at the start, Rick aka DJ Buddha reading a poem written by Mick Daly.
Influences
Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, Captain Beefheart, Martin Stephenson, Joni Mitchell, Skip James, Pixies, Nirvana, Just Discovered Mark Lanagan (wow!), Beck, Portishead, P.J.Harvey, Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Tom Rush, Tim Rose, Primal Scream, 1st Roxy Music album(its f****** brilliant), Tom Waits,E.L.P., King Crimson, Cream, Blind Faith, some Stones, Howlin Wolf, Robert Johnson, Doors, Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Nick Cave, Deep Forest, Enigma, Zappa, Joe Zawinul, Jaco Pastorious, Jon Hall, Etta James, Dr. John, Neil Young and many more... the list keeps growin, eg. I just found Big Joe Hurt on myspace(wonderful) and The High Kings(lovely music), check out their sites and of course all my good buddies around the Scottish circuit, particularly F Jams, Spider Mackenzie(the ultimate blues harp player) with Steve Crawford, Jim Condie or John Carnie, Dave Hernatty, Ballyhoo and Scot Macdonald to name a few. You'll see a few like the lovely Anita and Manu, Gav and Jeremy(sweetie pie) on my photo slide show.
Sounds Like
A Female Leonard Cohen/Radiohead, Tanita Tikaram, Though they say I look like Stevie Nicks/Joni Mitchell, but I'm just a blonde with a guitar.. but here's what i sound like live...
Let It All Go
23 & 24th Oct 2009, 20:30 - Artistic Freedom Collective Showcase
Saucy Mary’s Hostel, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye.
Showcase for Artistic Freedom Collective (AFC) with 4 acts performing over 2 days and an informal Open Session in the Bar on the saturday afternoon. Maria Hall Band headlining on fri 23rd from 10:30pm.
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29 aug 2009, 19:00 - Wizard Festival, Sunset Stage, New Deer
Playing at 21:00 on AFC sponsored stage
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28 aug 2009, 19:00 - Wizard Festival, Sunset Stage, New Deer
AFC sponsored stage
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09 aug 2009, 20:30 - Open Mic Hosted by Jeremy Perron, Blue Angel Cafe, Findhorn
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08 aug 2009, 16:00 - Belladrum Festival, Potting Shed Stage
Artistic Freedom Collective(AFC) Hour
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07 aug 2009, 16:00 - Belladrum Festival, Potting Shed Stage
Artistic Freedom Collective(AFC) Hour
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06 aug 2009, 12:00 - Belladrum Festival Fringe, The Artistic Freedom Collective(AFC) Highland Gathering, Silver Sands Leisure Park, Lossiemouth
Free All Day Festival with 18 International Acts
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05 aug 2009, 20:00 - Belladrum Festival Fringe, Showcase of Local Moray Talent, Red Shoes Theatre, Elgin
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04 aug 2009, 20:00 - Belladrum Festival Fringe, Drummonds, Aberdeen
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25 Jul 2009, 15:00 - Paisley Unplugged, Paisley Arts Centre
New Street, Paisley, Scotland, UK
Part of the Paisley Unplugged afternoon sessions. Cancelled.
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12 Jul 2009, 18:00 - Spratton Folk Festival, Artistic Freedom Collective(AFC) Gathering, Fringe Tent
Spratton, Northampton, Midlands, UK
Maria Hall with her full band, playing the 2nd stage on the last day of this great, friendly, 3 day, Festival with a huge variety of International acts.
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07 jun 2009, 20:30 - Open Mic Hosted by Jeremy Perron, Blue Angel Cafe, Findhorn
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31 may 2009, 16:00 - Open Session Hosted by Maria Hall, Red Shoes Theatre, Elgin
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30 may 2009, 19:00 - Paisley Unplugged Album Launch, The Haunt, Paisley
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18 may 2009, 15:15 - ’Shedstock 2’, The Music Shed, Next to The Ironworks,
Inverness, Scotland, UK
Supporting Mark Cool in ’Shedstock 2’ at the nessmp3 Music Shed, recording and rehearsal studio.
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05 apr 2009, 20:30 - Open Mic Hosted by Jeremy Perron, Blue Angel Cafe, Findhorn
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03 apr 2009, 21:30 - with FutureX, Saucy Mary’s Hostel, Skye, Kyleakin
Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
Late night gig in a lively venue with FutureX
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31 mar 2009, - Lossie Folk Club, The Beach bar, Lossiemouth
An informal mini Folk Festival
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27 Mar 2009, 21:30 - with ’FutureX’, Saucy Mary’s Hostel, Skye, Kyleakin
Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
Late night gig in a lively venue with FutureX
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21 Mar 2009, 20:00 - with ’FutureX’, Village Sunsets, Collieston Village Hall,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK
Spring Equinox Mini Fest. Playing with FutureX, our rock band.
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15 Mar 2009, 15:15 - ’Shedstock 1’, The Music Shed, Next to The Ironworks,
Inverness, Scotland, UK
Supporting Angie Palmer in ’Shedstock 1’ at the nessmp3 Music Shed, recording and rehearsal studio.
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13 Mar 2009, 20:00 - with FutureX at Thunderton House, Thunderton Place, just off High St, Elgin, Scotland, UK
Maria Hall and FutureX
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07 Mar 2009, 15:00 - Redds Cafe Bar, Paisley Arts Centre, New Street,
Paisley, Scotland, UK
Paisley Unplugged Acoustic Sessions. Saturday afternoon music in a great informal atmosphere.
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20 Feb 2009, 20:00 - Riverside Tavern, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Scotland, UK
Supporting Martin Stephenson
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GIGS LIST 2008
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05 Dec 2008, 21:00 - Studio 9, Altyre Estate, Forres, Scotland,UK
My birthday party, singing and playing with my rock band, ’FutureX’. Ali’s rock band will be supporting. The usual friday jam afterwards. Everyone welcome.
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29 Nov 2008, 20:00 - Red Shoes Theatre, Elgin, Scotland, UK
Cost:£6
We’re doin a small set along with 5 other acts. It’s a fantastic venue, so well worth the ticket price.
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22 Nov 2008, 22:00 - Saucy Mary’s Hostel,Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland
UK
Should be a fun night. We’ll be a trio with bass this time rather than our usual duo. Lots of great covers of Floyd, Doors, Radiohead, etc as well as my own songs. If you mention my name, you get a bed at the hostel for just £10!! WOW!!!
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26 Oct 2008, 20:30 - Cellar 35, Aberdeen, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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11 Oct 2008, 15:00 - Redds Cafe Bar, Paisley Arts Centre.
Paisley Unplugged Sessions. Good music and vibes.
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09 Aug 2008 - 18:30
The Potting Shed Stage, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2008. Inverness.
The biggest and best Northern Festival in the beautiful Highlands setting.
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02 Aug 2008, 20:00 - Belladrum Tartan Heart Fringe Goes To Forres.
Mosset Tavern, Forres.
6 Great Rocking Bands appearing in the run up to Belladrum Festival on the Official Tartan Heart Fringe; Estrella, Silva, FutureX, Dirty Little Bongos, Maria Hall, Steph MacLeod.
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26 Jul 2008, 14:00 - ARTEMIS 100, Killin Sports Ground,
Killin, Perthshire
At the head of loch Tay, Scotland.
All Day Charity Cycling Festivities with music, banquet, etc.
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13 Jul 2008, 21:45 - The Gathering/Spratton Folk Festival, Northampton, South England..
All day fest of accoustic singer songwriters on final day of Spratton Folk Festival.
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11 Jul 2008, 13:00 - Borders Book Store, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, Northeast, UK.
Afternoon session in the relaxed atmosphere of the well known Borders Book Store.
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05 Jul 2008, 19:00 - Evening Performance, Danny Kyle Memorial Festival, Main Stage, Town Hall.
Paisley, Scotland.
Festival from 27th June to 5th July. In the evening on the main stage on the final day.
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05 Jul 2008, 14:00 - Afternoon Sessions @ Redds Cafe Bar, Paisley Arts Centre
Paisley, Scotland.
Afternoon Accoustic Sessions leading up to final performance on main stage Town Hall.
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01 Jun 2008, 20:30 - Candlelit Sessions, The Oakwood, Alloa, Scotland.
Cost:£4.
Accoustc session with 2 acts, Maria Hall and Brawth.
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24 May 2008, 16:30 - Redds Cafe Bar, Paisley Arts Centre
New St,
Paisley, Scotland.
Saturday Afternoon Unplugged Sessions in a relaxed informal environment from approx 3 - 6pm.
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18 May 2008, 20:00 - Cellar 35, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Several accoustic acts, in relaxed atmosphere with buffet. Starts at 4pm till 10pm. I’m on at 8.30.
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29 Apr 2008, 19:30 - Paisley Arts Centre, New St., Paisley,
Renfrewshire.
Re-opening of upstairs Cafe-Bar in Arts Centre. 3 other acts; 2 more singer songwriters & an accoustic guitar duo. Maria Halls 1st absolutely solo gig.. dont miss it! On about 9pm.
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31 Dec 2007, 20:00 - The Caledonian Hotel, Portmahomack, Ross-shire Scotland.
Maria Hall & Open Mic.
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.. Visit AFcollective Artistic Network
I am a singer/songwriter based in the North of Scotland, I have been involved in music for many years. I have played and sung blues, rock, grunge, alternative folk and much, much more with bands like 'The Blues Mamas', 'Mad Dog', 'Marandra', 'Dr' JKLM', 'Rapscalion' and 'FutureX'. I also sang and recorded with Martin Stephenson and I am grateful to him for teaching me so much about the music business and for allowing me to join him on some nice gigs.
Besides this, I was instrumental in running a musical organisation that assisted and developed budding musicians from my then local area. We ran successful festivals and inspired some of our members to embark upon a musical career.
I also have a love of animals and in particular my Irish Wolfhounds and Beagles which I successfully show throughout Britain.
Presently, I am writing and singing my own material and have my first solo album 'Her Spirit Is Free' out now and starting work on my next album.
I am lucky enough to be blessed with very talented and kind friends who session on my album, so I hope you will enjoy the experience and you should be hearing one of my songs as you read this... also check out all my videos mostly filmed live at various gigs, promoting my songs.
I've just added 'Hey Ho' and "Self Abuse" to my playlist above. I wrote 'Self Abuse' at a time when I didn't smoke,(still don't)or drink,(I still don't drink a lot)and I was celibate.(none of your business now!) It is simply saying that no matter how strong your will is, you'll always be addicted to something or someone that isn't doin you any good. Yep, "we all need some self abuse". This track was recently used in a film soundtrack.
I'm also sometimes sing and play guitar in a rock covers band, 'FutureX', which is great fun. You can hear one of my favourite numbers, 'Whipping Post', which we recorded during an early rehearsal. It is of course an Allman Brothers song. You can also hear more of FutureX and get more info on myspace (you'll find them in my friends) and their website on nessmp3.com.
Here's one of my most favourite videos, because it has my lovely 9yr old son singing with us at the Open Mic Jeremy and I run at The Blue Angel Cafe in Findhorn. It's very sweet as my little boy takes it all so seriously and barely moves a muscle. My little darling!
It also features Jeremy Perron and Michael Legge on guitar and vox.
Well thankyou for reading and please feel free to contact me about any of the above.
Hi Maria, Thanks again for the gig! Sorry I had to rush off. I hate it and I hope it doesn't seem like I'm anti-social, I'm not. One day the kiddies will be all grown up. Take care Maryann x
ITS GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU. I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT YOU ENJOYED THE VIDEO. IT WAS A GREAT DEAL OF FUN THE DAY WE RECORDED IT. SOMETHING TO CHERISH FOREVER... PEACE AND MANY BLESSINGS GOLDENROSE
hmm not so good, hope yer ok :s methinks ive missed a lot with my dissappearing act. so long as we got music everything will come up roses in the end :) hope your still listenin to mr drake btw
How are you Maria ? Long time no speak...i have a wee tour going just now with the band i manage THE MERCHANTS, we will also be playing a couple of gigs with MARK E. SMITH & THE FALL, he came to see us at Manchester Appollo then hopefully we should be playing with ALABAMA 3 ? Can't believe you know Hamish ? What a talent, he just got a lecturer post @ his music college. When you down in Glasgow ? I would like to organise a wee tour up north at some point next year. I just added your daughter so let her know if you could ? Speak to you soon God bless Owen x
hey :D glad to hear your doing well, websites lookin great, so glad to see you with lots goin on, and the music fantastic as always :D got a stand in lecturing job down in glasgow atm, still beavering away trying to break into some kind of scene, its wierd not bein in contact wi you guys for so long, my move down was very abrupt! still rocking out studio 9?
Maria thankyou for your kind thoughts and words.I love both my cats dearly, there part of the family. I really do need some support at this painful time..... Thankyou Again....x
Hi Maria, hope you are well. sorry this is a bit of a sad note, i lost my older chinchilla cat in the week the one on my page, its sooo painful. Bless Her..x I know you said you are a cat lover... Hope your doing fine with your music..x
Hi Maria. Sorry I didn't make it to The Gathering. It's been a bit of a unlucky month or two for me. My computer has been playing up or rather my internet supplier are clueless. Also had some family problems. I guess Jeremy would have told you. I was on the AFC checking out the pics and comments about Lossiemouth. Looks like it was great. All the best. Peace. Jay.
We are actually back in the studio at the moment working on the album. Is really starting to come together. Will be amazing once it is released later this year.
We will be sure to keep you updated on it's progress and any other news.
Online Now!
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